I am a runner.  It gives me an identity. It is who I am. I have been a runner for over 30 years.  (I started at birth- Haha).  I love to run, to get up early in the morning and run through neighborhoods before the world and sun wakes up. Running is a GREAT way to start my day. However, I am a runner no more; time to move on.

Run History

I am also a competitor.  For me, running and competition go hand and hand.  When I run races, I compete with all the other runners. My goal is to finish number one in my age category and in the top 5-7% of all runners in the race.

I have run 5 marathons.  Disney was my first, Nashville Country Music was one of my best, St. Louis was on a cold, rainy day and I ran my PR (personal record). Boston Marathon was an amazing experience and Kansas City was my last and worst. In addition, I have run numerous half-marathons, triathlons, 10K’s and 5’s.  I did not run just to run; I ran to get faster and stronger and improve my time from the last run.

Move On

I tell these details to share how much running means to me. Or, I should say, how much running meant to me. I am no longer a runner; my body tells me it is time to move on.  A major injury did not occur, but I can feel a difference in my knees. It was time to stop. At the time of this writing, I have not been running for about 6 months.

I choose to give up a part of who I am.  Finding a new purpose and why behind this choice really helped me with this transition. My why included being able to stay active and fit as I age. The threat of injury was also a factor. At times I do struggle when I see someone running.  When I am feeling down, I concentrate on my why and the adventures for my active future.  I revisit the reasons that I choose to no longer be a runner. 

Looking at my future and concentrating on what I do have instead of focusing on what I lost helps me with the transition.  I choose not to run.  It brings me joy now that I get to continue to walk, exercise, hike, and enjoy life! What are you focusing on in your future?